Pages

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Student Leadership Retreat Report

OPERATION EDIFICATION

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds” was the verse from Hebrews that rang in the ears of 10 student leaders and five youth staff for three days. It suggests teamwork, edification, and a goal.

We spent the first day mostly getting to know each other more and developing a “team” atmosphere. Our first study was in the evening as we focused on what we build upon our foundation who is Christ. As a leader, it’s very important to not live a self-centered life infected with pride. The day ended with a very special time of prayer and adoration to God.

The next day was spent mostly in the classroom with three more Bible studies: Authentic Worship, Unity, and Being Freed to Lead. As an application to Unity we watched “Remembering the Titans”--in our leadership team this year, we are representing a rivalry between two towns and as we learn to accept and love one another, we should have some serious growth in not only our leaders, but the youth group as well. A highlight of the day for many was a hike up to the highest functioning lighthouse in the world as we experienced first hand overcoming a tough task--we did this in the hot sun in the middle of the day!

The final day we wrapped things up as everyone had the opportunity to share about each team member from a worksheet given out on the first day called, “My Team.” Each member was to write some positive affirmations about each person on the team. Many times we have an automatic pilot that focusses on the negative characteristics of others if they’re not “our favorite person in the world.” By affirming others, we are forced to see the gifts God has given them. It was a great way of “edifying” one another.

To keep the tradition of the Student Leadership Retreat, we went to a big water park in Mazatlán for some much needed free time after sitting and absorbing for two and a half days!

This was the third year in a row that we chose some older students whose leadership and commitment to God stand out amongst the others. We are excited about the year to come as it will bring freshness to the youth ministry. This year Chuy Hernández joins our youth staff as an intern. He is taking some giant steps of responsibility after spending 10 months in Oaxaca at a Bible School.

Chuy Hernández

Returning as Student Leaders are...

Martín

Sandy

Mily

Joining us either again or for the first time are...

Ricardo

Cheche

Julio

Rubén

Verónica

Abraham

and Chuy Corrales.

Thank you so much to those of you who prayed for us during this time and those who gave donations to make this possible. This is the most important time in the Student Ministry of Cofradía. THANK YOU!